Detox – The Call To Balance

Introduction

You hear it, see it, and feel it all the time – the call to BALANCE. It’s being peddled like any other quick fix solution to life’s daily stressors. You are tired, you are coping, and you aren’t entirely sure of your objective anymore as you struggle to meet deadlines and demands. I think sometimes we have this sense that our physical bodies are machines, designed to carry out our orders. We push these “machines” to the limit, and then we are surprised when they break down. Have you been doing the maintenance – that is, caring for yourself? This is not a cliché, it is an important and worthwhile question. Seriously consider your answer! Are you taking care of yourself – your body, your mind, your life? – Or have you been pushing yourself through your days toward some other objective? I am not preaching a radical, life-changing doctrine, here. If it sounds like I am, then perhaps you really do need the overhaul. Any reputable physician will tell you that the touchstones for wellness are sleep, exercise, and diet. However, for most of us who have bunted our self-care to the foul line, these three pillars of wellness may seem too broad, too remote, and unattainable. This is where DETOX comes in. And no, it’s not a quick fix! In a series of small, intentional steps over the long term, you can find a balance that cannot be valued in dollars and cents. “Detox” is one small word that can represent any number of easy and attainable “baby steps” toward wellness. Once you start to recall how wellness FEELS, you will be back in the game. Detox is NOT drinking a green, antioxidant milkshake before you spontaneously run a 5K marathon. Detox is what works for you as you strip away the (literal!) poisons of daily life, and start to rebuild the essential components of a healthy mind and body. Answering the Call – Now what? Okay, you say. You’ve got me pegged. I’m perpetually exhausted, propped up by anything legal that can keep the motor running, and it’s been a loooong time since I actually noticed that I am breathing, let alone thought about my health. Now what? I don’t have time, energy, or money to overhaul my life. I am running on empty. I hear you. Think about it this way… mind, body, soul. Just do something good for one “part” of you each day, and you’re back in the game. I think some gentle suggestions will help.

DAY #1 – mind

Wake up five minutes earlier than you have to and take your hot-cuppa-whatever outside. Resist the urge to make those five minutes “productive”. Sit with your restlessness and feel it. Set a timer if you like! Five minutes to just notice. What thoughts are crowding your mind? What do you want your day to feel like? Can you take a few deep breaths or recognize the bird calls in the backyard? Most of us don’t realize that our own minds can be seriously toxic places. Take five minutes for yourself and don’t feel bad about it.

DAY #2 – body

When it comes to detoxing your body, finding balance can be a longer and more involved process. I suggest, again, starting small and easy, and just recognizing that your body needs some attention! Here are some simple starting points: • take a mindful walk • soak in a mineral bath • release some toxins with detox patches while you get some restorative sleep • eat something good for you – quinoa instead of rice, red bell pepper, brain food like fresh salmon, or even just a piece of fruit. And relish it! Nature’s bounty is beautiful!

DAY #3 – soul

This is a personal area, but one that most of us here in the developed world forget all too often. Your choice will depend on your history, heritage, and personal outlook, but here are a few ideas to get you started: • worship • write a thank you note (gratitude has proven benefits to your well-being) • volunteer even one half-hour at a local shelter or community centre • read, just for the pleasure of it • invest some time in a hobby or interest – lose yourself in it!

DAYS #4, 5, 6…

mind, body, soul… you get the idea! Remember, the categories are just a guide – do what works for you. The best detox habits are those that serve you in more than one way. Conclusion I think it is clear that these are only beginnings – small beginnings, but important ones. There are lists of detox options (including our detoxification patches) that are longer than my arm, but I am confident you will naturally gravitate towards what is truly needed in your life. Listen to yourself and discover what you need, and then take one small step to release some toxins, invest some goodness in yourself, or to think about what you want out of your day. I suspect that the call to balance will grow louder as you give yourself room to hear it.